When you submit your Form N-400, your naturalization process officially begins. And when I say “process,” I really mean waiting time, which may be the hardest part of all. Sure, gathering your documents and filling out forms takes time… but at least you’re in control during those steps. Once you submit everything, all you can do is sit back, take a deep breath, and hope things go quickly and smoothly.
The wait can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It all depends on where you live and which USCIS office handles your case. And yes, waiting can be nerve-wracking – especially if months go by and you haven’t heard anything.
The good news? There are ways to check the status of your US citizenship application. And while not all of them are equally helpful, at least you won’t be entirely in the dark.
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to check the status of your US citizenship application.
How to check the status of your US citizenship application
In theory, there are 4 ways to track your case: by mail, by phone, in person, and online.
Check your US citizenship application by mail
This is the most traditional way to check the status of your US citizenship application. All official communications from USCIS come through the mail. If they need additional documents, schedule your interview and citizenship test, or approve your application, they’ll send you a letter. So be sure to check your mailbox often.
And it’s really important to make sure USCIS has your correct mailing address. If you move after mailing your N-400, you must update your address with USCIS as soon as possible. You can do this through your MyUSCIS account.
Remember, you have up to 10 days after you move to notify USCIS of your change of address.
Call USCIS office – But only if you tave to
You can also check on your case by calling USCIS. Just dial the USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283. And if you have a hearing or speech problem, call TTY: 1-800-767-1833.
But I’ll be honest – this should probably be your last resort. The USCIS phone lines are often busy, and you could wait long to talk to someone. So, it’s not the best way to track your case.
But if you do decide to call, make sure you have this information ready:
- Your USCIS receipt number
- Your A-number (if you have one)
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
Wait, do you know your receipt number?
When you filed your application, USCIS sent you a Notice of Action letter (Form I-797C). This letter contains a 13-digit receipt number that starts with three letters followed by ten numbers. It looks something like this:
IOE1234567890
(You may also see codes such as EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC at the beginning).
This is the number you’ll need to check the status of your US citizenship application.
And can you visit a USCIS office to check your case status?
This used to be an option. Many people would make an appointment at a USCIS field office to check on the status of their application. Unfortunately, that’s no longer allowed.
Now, USCIS only allows in-person appointments if you need a service that can’t be handled over the phone or online. For example, emergency travel documents or other urgent situations.
If you’re in one of these situations that requires an in-person appointment, call 1-800-375-5283. But if you have a hearing or speech problem, call TTY: 1-800-767-1833.
Check the status of your application online
The fastest and most effective way to track your application is online. You have two options: the Case Tracker and your MyUSCIS account.
To use the Tracker, go to the USCIS Case Status Online page. Once there, enter your receipt number and click the “Check Status” button. The page will display your current status. Some common updates you may see include:
- Case Received
- Biometrics appointment scheduled
- An interview has been scheduled
- Oath Ceremony Scheduled
- Case Approved
Yep – it’s that simple.
The only downside is that the Tracker provides limited information. It just tells you what stage your case is in. If you want more detailed updates, it’s best to log into your MyUSCIS account.
If you filed online, you already created your account, so you should know how it works. But even if you mailed in your N-400, no worries – you can still go to MyUSCIS and create an account to access your case information.
You’ll get the most up-to-date information about your case through your account, including estimated processing times. You can also download notices, receive email and text alerts, and update your address or personal information.
Summing up…
The best way to check the status of your US citizenship application is online, either with the Tracker or through your MyUSCIS account. Both options will keep you informed of where you are in the process.
The other options? Not so great:
- Email works, but it’s slow.
- The phone can put you on hold for hours.
- In-person visits are no longer allowed unless it’s a very special case.
So yes, online verification is the way to go. It’s easy, it’s fast, and you can do it from any device.
But do you want some advice? Don’t stress out. And we get it. We’ve been there too. Waiting can drive you crazy. You scroll through Facebook or check WhatsApp and see other people already taking the oath while you’re still waiting.
But every case is different. It depends on your state, your USCIS office, and how many applications they process. So just be patient and try to relax. Everything will be fine, you’ll see. However, check your mail, monitor system alerts, and never miss an appointment.
You’re almost there. Hang in there – a little longer, and you’ll have your citizenship in hand. And when that day comes, trust me, it will be worth all the stress.
Please leave us a comment with any questions you have about the process. And feel free to share your story – what stage you’re at, how long you’ve been waiting. It helps others who are going through the same thing.